Preparing an effective cover letter is equally as important as writing your resume.  The cover letter is used to sell your resume by communicating to your potential employer how your skills and experiences are a match for the position for which you are applying.  However, preparing a poorly written cover letter is worse than not doing one at all. This post will give you a few pointers on how to make your first impression a lasting one.

Cover Letter Do’s

• Tailor each cover letter to a specific employer.
• Type the cover letter in the same font as your resume.
• Use paper that matches your resume.
• Keep it short and sweet!  Three to five paragraphs maximum.
• Use the recruiter’s name and title.
• Market yourself as a good solution to the employer’s needs.
• Highlight the key points of your resume.
• Conclude with a commitment to action…tell employer what you will do next.
• Fit the letter on one page with one-inch margins on every side.
• Sign the letter using black ink.

Cover Letter Dont’s

• Mention personal weaknesses or perceived shortcomings.
• Say that you will do “any” job.
• Forget to include your telephone number and e-mail address.
• Use abbreviations.
• Use a type font smaller than an 11 point.
• Send form letters.
• Forget to spell-check.
• Exaggerate, brag or lie.
• Forget to read, edit and re-read your letter for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammatical errors.

If you have any additional advice for how to write an effective cover letter, please share with our readers by entering your thoughts in the comments section below.  We appreciate any additional advice for our readers.

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